With a super typhoon swiftly following a serious earthquake, seafarers’ families have received emergency relief from the All-Philippines Seafarers’ Union supported by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust
The ITF Seafarers’ Trust has approved a second round of emergency relief funding to support seafarers and their families affected by the recent natural disasters in the Philippines.
On 30 September 2025, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, killing more than 70 people and leaving thousands homeless. With the help of an Emergency Relief Grant from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, the All-Philippines Seafarers Union (APSU) led the effort to deliver vital assistance to affected seafarers and their families.
Just five weeks later, on 4 November, Cebu was hit again—this time by Typhoon Tino, which claimed 141 lives and caused widespread destruction, leaving thousands more without shelter or possessions. In response, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust swiftly approved another grant bringing the total to £100,000 to provide further aid to those impacted.
“Our hearts go out to the seafarers on board dealing with the knowledge of disaster at home and to the families experiencing directly the unprecedented levels of destruction caused first by the earthquake swiftly followed by a super typhoon.” said Katie Higginbottom, Head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust. “Thanks to trusted, proactive affiliates like the All-Philippines Seafarers Union, we can reach the families of maritime workers in their time of need.”
Michael Mendoza, President of the All-Philippines Seafarers Union, expressed his appreciation: “We are very grateful for the swift action of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust. Their support enables us to stand by our members and their families when they need it most.”
